About A Non-Contained Montreal Disc Herniation

Introduction

Ruptured Disc! Herniated Disc! Extruded Disc!Oh my. You flinch at the sound of these terms because you have experienced the pain or know someone who has. The appropriate term for these types of herniated discs is "non-contained disc."

Description

The non-contained disc may cause back but usually pain into the extremities (one or both legs). This disc condition causes you pain because its nucleus pulposus (the center of the disc) has escaped through tears in the anulus fibrosus (the outer layers of the disc) and found itself in the spinal canal where it isn’t supposed to be. The anulus fibrosus no longer contains the nucleus pulposus.

The non-contained disc irritates the spinal nerves with a chemical reaction or with pressure. Normally, the nucleus pulposus' fluid has never been in the spinal canal, and when it does enter, it causes a chemical reaction around the nerve to cause pain into the pelvis and leg.The nucleus pulposus' fluid chemically irritates the spinal nerves just by its mere presence in the canal, and, if enough of it escapes into the canal, its mass presses on spinal nerves causing pain into the leg.

Check out this description of a non-contained disc herniation correlated with imaging.

Non-contained discs (aka free fragment or extrusion) may be
managed well conservatively. Non-contained lumbar disc herniations show better
non-surgical relief than contained discs. (1) MRI helps in visualizing and monitoring
the disc and nerve root changes while care is administered. (2) Nine of 11 non-contained discs shrunk 50% to
100% non-operatively. (3) The larger the non-contained disc, the more it
reduced. (4) Research notes
spontaneous resorption of intradural disc material via macrophage and
angiogenesis (the process of new blood vessels forming) within the disc. (5) As
a matter of fact, free fragments (non-contained discs) absorb and decrease in
size more than protruding (contained) discs. When the non-contained fragment
moves, an even greater reduction in size is seen. (6) Phagocytes and cytokines
play a role in helping resorb the non-contained disc. (7, 2)

Examination

A thorough, clinical examination that may include imaging is important to your recovery.

Lumbar Spine Exam Description

Treatment

In-office, Dr. Hoang's Chiropractic Clinic use Cox Technic Flexion Distraction and Decompression to lower the pressure in the disc and aid in the absorption of the free nuclear material that is irritating the nerve. Cox Technic also aids in the healing of the torn anular fibers and drives out chemicals that irritate and inflame the spinal nerves.

Graphic Animation of Cox Technic - Lumbar Spine

The disc is pressing on the nerve. Note that as the disc herniation reduces, the pinched nerve is relieved.

This is an animation of the goal of Cox Technic
Flexion-Distraction and Decompression: reduced irritation of spinal elements
enough to relieve pain and help you regain your quality of life. The amount of
decrease in size of the herniated disc necessary for pain relief varies from 0%
to 100% for each individual patient.

Cox Technic Protocol I - for severe pain or pain that extends below the knee

Cox Technic Protocol II - for pain that is in the low back and stays above the knee

Time to Improvement

You must understand that it takes three months for a torn disc to heal well enough to allow you to return to daily activities like prolonged sitting, bending, lifting, twisting, etc. The first three to four weeks of concentrated treatment, therapies, and at-home care are designed to allow the best opportunity for the disc to heal quickly. This three month window does not mean that you must be treated continually throughout this time period, but means that you must be cautious and aware of your spine's healing. Recognize that even though the pain is gone, healing is still taking place and could be hindered if you do something to aggravate the process.

In the 1000 cases study of patients undergoing care for their back pain, 91% reported maximum improvement in 90 days of care and 70% of patients in less than 30 visits.

At Home Care

At home you will want to avoid sitting for long periods of time, wear a support brace if recommended, take nutritional supplements that help rebuild disc cartilage, sleep on a supportive mattress, sit in an ergonomically designed chair, avoid constipation which just forces you to use pressure that your spine doesn't need, and modify your daily activities as needed.

Exercise Tips

Exercise is important to your recovery and prevention of future pain.
It is important to start exercises as soon as possible, not vigorously, but gently.
Do only exercises recommended.
Do exercises only to your tolerance.

"This information and website content is not intended to diagnose, guarantee results, or recommend specific treatment or activity. It is designed to educate and inform only. Please consult your physician for a thorough examination leading to a diagnosis and well-planned treatment strategy. See more details on the DISCLAIMER page."

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About Our Montreal chiropractic Practice

Our practice at Dr. Hoang's Chiropractic Clinic focuses on chiropractic wellness as well as the easement of pain, especially spine pain and its related conditions. We administer comprehensive care for back pain, neck pain, headaches, shoulder pain, arm pain, leg pain, and injuries to the body from a car accident, sports injury or other cause. Our chiropractic practice respectfully serves the Montreal area. We pride ourselves on being patient-oriented and active to fulfilling your needs be they about insurance filing or appointment making or your health and healing. We administer individualized treatment plans to accommodate your exact needs. If you're in need of a chiropractor in the Montreal area, contact us today!